Ordering food for delivery is an easy way to arrange for your breakfast, lunch or dinner if you don't have time to cook or leave your home to get take out. Typically, you need to use the telephone or an online resource to place your order and then wait for it to arrive. While restaurant delivery services are usually straightforward, there are some key terms you should know before you dial your phone or click your mouse to order your next meal.

Take Out - The general term for getting food from a restaurant to go rather than enjoying it in the establishment's dining room. The term can apply to any type of food or cuisine, including pizza or Chinese.

Carry Out - A take out order that you personally pick up at the restaurant

Deliver - A take out order that a worker for the restaurant brings to your location on foot or by bicycle or vehicle

Cater - A service that prepares complete meals for a business meeting, party or other event and then delivers it to a location other than where the food was prepared; Catering may be done by businesses that specialize only in the field or by a Chinese, Italian or other restaurant that offers catering in addition to its standard dining room menu.

Gourmet - A term used to describe upscale cuisine that uses fine ingredients; Your average pizza shop or fast food restaurant is usually not considered gourmet.

Service Area - The region to which a restaurant will deliver food

Gratuity - A tip given to the delivery person who brings your order; typically equal to 10 percent of the total price of your meal

Restaurants and food delivery services can be found in abundance in all communities all over the world. In fact, many eateries specialize in foods like pizza, Chinese cuisine and gourmet take out. Orders can be placed by telephone or online, and then meals can either be delivered or picked up. It essentially just depends on the restaurant or eatery and what level of services they offer. Your location also plays a part. After all, most Mexican, Thai food and pizza eateries will not deliver if you are located too far away.
There are different types of dining options for people to enjoy. While some people like to throw parties and have restaurants cater to their residence or business, others like to simply have pizza delivered to their home. These are both popular options. In fact, there are a multitude of restaurants to choose from in your community alone. Many of these eateries provide breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. Some even offer low fat or diet meals to suit individuals who are trying to cut calories. Just so you are aware, when you have a Chinese or Italian restaurant cater for a party or special event, the cost may increase. This is typically because the restaurant has to deliver a lot of food and often help with serving it.
If you are interested in learning more about restaurants, food delivery services and take out options, you should check into local eateries. If you reside in a large metropolitan area, there are likely to be a number of restaurants you can order from.